Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		$ 14,162	$ (6,899)	$ 3,934
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		2,613	1,475	1,004
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period		(60,064)	(69,559)	(72,350)
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		223	(933)	2,509
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		4,498	8,395	(5,015)
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Foreign currency translation: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(33,138)	(26,992)	(31,138)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of income taxes		14,162	(6,899)	3,934
Less: Net loss (gain) on foreign currency translation attributable to noncontrolling interests		372	753	212
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		14,534	(6,146)	4,146
Balance at end of period		(23,942)	(33,138)	(26,992)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation		(5,806)	3,715	(2,119)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	(5,338)	0	0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(258)	675	(1,834)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		1,416	(1,841)	1,969
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[2]	(1,193)	908	540
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		223	(933)	2,509
Balance at end of period		(35)	(258)	675
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(944)	991	(1,060)
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		827	(489)	(291)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Cash flow hedges: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		1,398	(6,997)	(1,982)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes		3,687	5,849	(8,335)
Reclassifications to earnings, net of income taxes	[3]	811	2,546	3,320
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Universal Corporation, net of income taxes		4,498	8,395	(5,015)
Balance at end of period		6,528	1,398	(6,997)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on net gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(1,182)	(3,150)	4,489
Taxes on reclassifications to net income		(433)	(1,370)	(1,788)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	632	0	0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan: [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year		(37,561)	(39,036)	(40,040)
Gains arising during period, net of income taxes	[4]	295	(1,395)	(1,921)
Amortization included in earnings, net of income taxes	[5]	2,318	2,870	2,925
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income taxes		2,613	1,475	1,004
Balance at end of period		(42,615)	(37,561)	(39,036)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Taxes on losses (gains) arising during the period		(527)	751	1,035
Taxes on amortization included in net income		(933)	(1,546)	(1,576)
Reclassification of Tax Effects out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	[1]	$ (7,667)	$ 0	$ 0

[1] In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, which addressed the disproportionate income tax effects on pretax amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) arising from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. With the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the disproportionate tax effects were reclassified to retained earnings, and the resulting tax effects remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reflective of the rates which those amounts will ultimately be taxed.

[2] Gain (loss) on foreign currency cash flow hedges related to forecast purchases of tobacco is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to cost of goods sold when the tobacco is sold to customers. See Note 8 for additional information.

[3] Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense when the related interest payments are made on the debt or upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements prior to their scheduled maturity dates. See Note 8 for additional information.

[4] These items arise from the remeasurement of the assets and liabilities of the Company's defined benefit pension plans. Those remeasurements are made on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year. See Note 10 for additional information.

[5] This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 10 for additional information.